Jon Snow, the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, returns to life in Season 6, Episode 2, titled “Home.” This pivotal moment marks a significant turning point in the Game of Thrones saga, fundamentally altering the trajectory of his character and the overall narrative.
A Look Back at the Scene: The Agony and the Aftermath
The preceding season finale left viewers reeling, witnessing Jon Snow’s brutal betrayal and apparent death at the hands of his own men. The agonizing sight of his lifeless body, lying bloodied in the snow, fueled months of fervent speculation and debate. Was he truly gone? Could he somehow return?
“Home” opens with the immediate aftermath. Ser Davos Seaworth, along with loyal members of the Night’s Watch – Eddison Tollett, Ghost, and others – barricade themselves in a chamber with Jon’s corpse, fearing retribution from the mutineers led by Alliser Thorne. The atmosphere is thick with grief and simmering resentment.
The episode meticulously builds tension. Melisandre, grappling with her own crisis of faith and the apparent failure of her visions concerning Stannis Baratheon, reluctantly agrees to attempt a ritual resurrection. Her incantations, initially appearing futile, culminate in a final, desperate act.
Then, after what seems like an eternity, Jon Snow gasps back to life.
The scene is masterful. It’s not portrayed as a triumphant victory, but rather a disturbing and unsettling event. Jon awakens disoriented, confused, and deeply troubled by his experience. He touches his wounds, visibly struggling to comprehend what has transpired. This nuanced portrayal sets the stage for the complex character arc that will follow.
The Significance of Jon’s Resurrection
Jon Snow’s resurrection is not merely a plot device; it is a catalyst for significant narrative developments:
- Fulfillment of Prophecies: It bolsters the importance of prophecies within the Game of Thrones universe, particularly those surrounding Azor Ahai and the Prince That Was Promised. It throws Jon’s lineage and destiny into sharper relief.
- Moral Ambiguity: It further blurs the lines between good and evil. Jon’s return to life is achieved through magic, a force often viewed with suspicion and distrust within Westeros.
- Character Transformation: The experience profoundly affects Jon. He is no longer bound by his vows to the Night’s Watch, freeing him to pursue other agendas. He becomes more decisive, more willing to take risks, and haunted by what he experienced in the afterlife.
- The War Against the White Walkers: His resurrection solidifies his role as a key player in the looming war against the White Walkers and their army of the dead. His firsthand experience with death gives him a unique perspective and a renewed sense of purpose.
- The Targaryen Reveal: While not immediately apparent in “Home”, Jon’s resurrection eventually paves the way for the revelation of his true parentage as Aegon Targaryen, placing him as a potential heir to the Iron Throne.
FAQs: Unpacking the Mysteries of Jon Snow’s Return
H3 What magic was used to bring Jon Snow back to life?
The magic used was that of the Lord of Light, facilitated by Melisandre. She performed a specific ritual involving washing his body, chanting incantations in High Valyrian, and placing her hands on him while praying to R’hllor. While she expresses doubt in her abilities, the Lord of Light seemingly answers her prayers, bringing Jon back.
H3 Why was Melisandre able to bring him back?
Melisandre’s ability to resurrect Jon is attributed to the power of R’hllor, the Lord of Light. While her faith in the Lord of Light had wavered after Stannis Baratheon’s defeat, her desperate act to save Jon seemingly reactivated her connection to this divine power. The series never explicitly states why she was chosen, but it implies she possessed a latent potential for such a feat. Her faith, though shaken, remained a conduit for the Lord of Light’s power.
H3 Was Jon Snow technically dead or just “mostly dead”?
He was definitively dead. Ser Davos explicitly mentions this to Melisandre, stating that his wounds were mortal and he was no longer breathing. The episode emphasizes the finality of his death before the ritual takes place. It wasn’t a near-death experience; it was full, irreversible death.
H3 How long was Jon Snow dead before being resurrected?
Jon Snow was dead for approximately one full day and night, give or take several hours. The season 5 finale aired in June, while season 6 premiered almost a year later, but in the Game of Thrones timeline, the period was roughly that of a day and night. The episode “Home” begins immediately after the events of the previous episode.
H3 Did Jon Snow remember anything from his time being dead?
Initially, Jon states he remembers nothing. However, later in the series, he reveals that he experienced only darkness. The extent of his memory remains ambiguous. He doesn’t recall any specific visions or interactions, only a void. This ambiguity contributes to the trauma and confusion he experiences upon his return.
H3 Did Jon Snow become a different person after being resurrected?
Yes, Jon is significantly changed. He is burdened by the experience of death, which leads him to question his purpose and the value of his vows to the Night’s Watch. He’s also more decisive and willing to take risks, knowing he’s already faced the ultimate consequence. This transformation is crucial to his subsequent actions and decisions.
H3 Was Jon Snow’s resurrection foreshadowed?
While not explicitly stated, several elements hinted at Jon’s potential return. The prevalence of resurrections in the books, particularly with characters like Beric Dondarrion, established a precedent. Melisandre’s presence at the Wall and her ambiguous powers also suggested that she could play a role in his fate. Additionally, the intense secrecy surrounding Kit Harington’s contract and public appearances fueled speculation.
H3 Does Jon Snow’s resurrection relate to him being Azor Ahai?
Jon’s resurrection adds weight to the theory that he is Azor Ahai reborn. While the series avoids definitively confirming this, his return from the dead certainly aligns with the prophecy’s description of a chosen one who will be reborn amidst smoke and salt to combat the darkness.
H3 How did the Night’s Watch react to Jon Snow’s resurrection?
The Night’s Watch was largely divided. The mutineers who murdered Jon were ultimately dealt with by Davos, Tormund, and the loyalists. Jon, now released from his vows by death, publicly executed Alliser Thorne and Olly before relinquishing his command to Eddison Tollett, effectively dissolving his ties to the Night’s Watch.
H3 What are the implications of Jon Snow’s resurrection on his Night’s Watch vows?
The Night’s Watch vows state, “Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death.” Since Jon Snow died, he was technically released from his vows. This is a key plot point that allows him to leave the Night’s Watch and pursue other goals, including fighting against the White Walkers and eventually embracing his Targaryen heritage.
H3 What impact did Jon Snow’s return have on Melisandre’s faith?
Jon’s resurrection revitalized Melisandre’s faith in the Lord of Light. After the failures surrounding Stannis Baratheon, she was deeply disillusioned. Successfully bringing Jon back to life reaffirmed her belief in the power of R’hllor and gave her renewed purpose.
H3 Did anyone else bring people back from the dead in Game of Thrones?
Yes, Beric Dondarrion was repeatedly resurrected by Thoros of Myr through the power of the Lord of Light. Lady Stoneheart, Catelyn Stark, was resurrected by the Brotherhood Without Banners. These other resurrections served as precedents within the Game of Thrones universe, suggesting the possibility of Jon Snow’s return.